US4401316A - Front suspension for motocycle - Google Patents

Front suspension for motocycle Download PDF

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Publication number
US4401316A
US4401316A US06/243,054 US24305481A US4401316A US 4401316 A US4401316 A US 4401316A US 24305481 A US24305481 A US 24305481A US 4401316 A US4401316 A US 4401316A
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United States
Prior art keywords
link
extension
fork assembly
joined
shock absorber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
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US06/243,054
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English (en)
Inventor
Shinichi Miyakoshi
Tokio Isono
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Honda Motor Co Ltd
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Honda Motor Co Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP3375280A external-priority patent/JPS56167576A/ja
Priority claimed from JP3375380A external-priority patent/JPS56131477A/ja
Priority claimed from JP3566580A external-priority patent/JPS56131478A/ja
Application filed by Honda Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Honda Motor Co Ltd
Assigned to HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: ISONO TOKIO, MIYAKOSHI SHINICHI
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Publication of US4401316A publication Critical patent/US4401316A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K25/12—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg
    • B62K25/22—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with more than one arm on each fork leg
    • B62K25/24—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with more than one arm on each fork leg for front wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
    • B60G2200/466—Damping acceleration or deceleration torque on wheel axle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a front suspension for motorcycles, and particularly a suspension employing a four-bar linkage.
  • Movement of the front axle can be controlled so as to move along a straight path and approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the handle bar by arranging the front and rear arms diagonally and converging downwardly.
  • a shock absorber for absorbing and damping the movement of the front wheel caused by the transformation of the linkage is located between two members chosen from among the two arms and the lower fork, or between the upper fork and a member chosen from among the two arms and the lower fork.
  • Advantages provided by the aforesaid new suspension of the four-bar linkage type are, firstly, that the front wheel is allowed to move more smoothly and an increased rigidity is provided for the suspension compared with the telescopic type suspension wherein a sliding resistance is generated between the fork pipe and the bottom cases during the extension and the contraction of the suspension since the suspension comprises a linkage. Secondly, that the performance of the front wheel in following road irregularities is improved since a long stroke of the front wheel is permitted. Also, only a short stroke is sufficient for the shock absorber while a long stroke of the front wheel is permitted, thereby requiring only a small-sized and lightweight shock absorber.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a front suspension for motorcycles comprising a second linkage serving as a load transmitting passage in the upward and downward movement of the front wheel and located between at least one first linkage constructed of a four-bar linkage and a shock absorber, characterized in that the second linkage is formed so that the movement of one end thereof adjacent to the first linkage caused by the transformation of the first linkage is converted into a progressively enlarged movement of the other end thereof adjacent to the shock absorber, i.e., the progressively enlarged stroke of the shock absorber.
  • the shock absorber is operated at a greater increasing rate of the stroke than that of the front wheel to generate a shock absorbing force. Due to the characteristic progressive shock absorbing force, the performance in following road irregularities is further improved, the center of gravity of the motorcycle can be lowered by lowering the position of the driver's seat and also the diving of the front wheel unit of the motorcycle while braking can be reduced.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a front suspension for motorcycles wherein a single shock absorber is located in front of the upper part of the upper fork and a rod forming a load transmitting passage together with the second linkage is provided to connect the first linkage and the shock absorber.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a front suspension for motorcycles wherein a second linkage can be interposed between a first linkage and a corresponding shock absorber even when a pair of first linkages are provided on the right and left side of the motorcycle, respectively, and a shock absorber is provided for each first linkage.
  • FIG. 1 is a general side elevational view of a motorcycle equipped with a suspension according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a single shock absorber and a tension rod.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the suspension of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the suspension of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention comprising a single shock absorber and a compression rod.
  • FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the suspension of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention comprising a pair of first linkages disposed on the right and left sides of a motorcycle respectively, each first linkage being provided with a shock absorber.
  • FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the suspension of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an eighth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the essential part of a ninth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a tenth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention, relating to the suspension of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 15 is a graph showing, in comparison, the shock absorbing characteristics of a telescopic type suspension and a suspension of the present invention.
  • the suspension for the rear wheel 31 of a motorcycle 30 comprises a rear fork assembly 32 supporting at the rear end thereof a rear wheel 31 and being pivotably mounted on a frame 33 by means of a pivot shaft 34 at the front end thereof, and a pair of shock absorbers 35 located between and joined with the rear fork assembly 32 and the upper part of the frame 33.
  • a front fork assembly 36 of a front suspension comprises an upper fork assembly 37 and a lower fork assembly 38.
  • the upper fork assembly 37 is pivotably joined with the frame 33 by inserting a head pipe 39 fixed to the front end of the frame 33 between a top bridge 40 and a bottom bridge 41 of the upper fork assembly 37 and inserting, in common, a steering shaft 42 through holes 40a and 41a formed in the respective bridges 40 and 41 and through the pipe 39.
  • the steering movement of the upper fork assembly 37 is controlled by a steering or handle bar 44 fixed to the upper surface of the top bridge 40 by means of brackets 43.
  • a front arm 45 and a rear arm 46 are pivotably joined with each of the upper side members 37a and 37b of the upper fork assembly 37 by means of pivot shafts 45a and 46a respectively, and the lower ends of the front arm 45 and the rear arm 46 are pivotably joined with each of the lower side members 38a and 38b of the lower fork assembly 38 by means of pivot shafts 45b and 46b respectively.
  • the upper fork assembly 37 and the lower fork assembly 38 are connected by means of two sets of arms each including the front arm 45 and the rear arm 46, with each set of the arms connecting the corresponding upper and lower side members.
  • two sets of four-bar linkages 47 each comprising the upper side member 37a (37b) as a fixed link, the lower side member 38a (38b), and the set of the arms 45 and 46 as movable links are formed.
  • Two four-bar linkages 47 are provided, one on each of the right and left sides of the motorcycle, respectively.
  • Each of the lower side members 38a and 38b of the lower fork assembly 38 is bent so as to include a diagonal base part 38c to which the arms 45 and 46 are joined and an extending part 38d extending forwardly and substantially horizontally.
  • An axle 49 of a front wheel 48 is supported between the front ends of the extending parts 38 d of the lower side members 38a and 38b.
  • a single shock absorber 51 is disposed in front of the steering bar 44, as shown in FIG. 1, above a front fender 50 and forwardly of the front of the upper part of the upper fork assembly 37.
  • the shock absorber 51 comprises a damper 51a of the gas pressure type, liquid pressure type or the gas-liquid pressure type and a helical compression spring 51b.
  • the upper end of the shock absorber 51 is joined with a fixed arm 52, provided at the upper end of the upper fork assembly 37, so as to be swingable forwardly and rearwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the front arm 45 comprising the front side of the linkage 47 has an end part 45c extending upwardly past the pivot shaft 45a joining the front arm 45 to the upper fork assembly 37.
  • the bottom end of a rod 54 serving as a load transmitting member and connecting the linkage 47 to the shock absorber 51 is pivotably joined to the end part 45c by means of a pivot shaft 54a.
  • the rod 54 is joined to the front arm 45, however, the lower end of the rod 54 may be joined to the rear arm 46 by forming an extension extending from the rear arm 46 over the pivot shaft 46a.
  • a pair of rods 54 are provided for the right and left linkages 47 respectively.
  • the lower end of the rod 54 is joined to the upper end 45c of the front arm 45a or the upper end of the rear arm 46, in this embodiment so that the rod 54 will function as a tension rod in transmitting the transformation of the linkage 47 to the shock absorber 51.
  • the upper end of the rod 54 and the lower end of the shock absorber 51 are connected by means of a progressive linkage 55 functioning as a load transmitting passage.
  • the linkage 55 functions such that the displacement of an end thereof adjacent to the four-bar linkage 47 is converted into a progressive displacement of an output end of the linkage 55 adjacent to the shock absorber 51 causing the displacement of the shock absorber 51.
  • the progressive linkage 55 i.e.
  • the progressive linkage 55 comprises a first link 57 pivotably joined at the intermediate part thereof to the upper fork assembly 37 by means of a pivot shaft 56 and joined at the rear end thereof to the upper end of the rod 54 by means of a pivot shaft 54b, a second link 59 having a front extension 59a and an upper extension 59b together defining a widely opening V-shape, joined at the bent part thereof to the front end of the first link 57 by means of a pivot shaft 58 and joined at the front extension 59a to the lower end of the shock absorber 51 by means of a pivot shaft 60, and a third link 63 pivotably joined to the upper extension 59b and the upper fork assembly 37 by means of pivot shafts 61 and 62, thus connecting the upper extension 59b to the upper fork assembly 37.
  • the rear part of the first link 57 is bifurcated as shown in FIG. 2 and the rear ends of the bifurcated part are joined to the right and left rods 54, respectively.
  • the third link 63 intersects the first link 57 from below to above the first link 57.
  • the rise and fall of the front wheel 48 in following the road irregularities is allowed by the transformation of the four-bar linkage 47.
  • the lower fork assembly 38 swings about an intersecting point of the arms 45 and 46, arranged so as to converge on a point located at a lower and rear position as shown in FIG. 1, which intersecting point serves as an instantaneous center of rotation A of the lower fork assembly 38 while the position is varied between points such as A1 and A2 (FIG. 3).
  • the front axle 49 rises and falls substantially in parallel with the axis B--B of the rotation of the steering bar and along a substantially straight line C--C.
  • the arm 45 With the upward movement of the front wheel 48, the arm 45 turns about the pivot shaft 45a in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3. Consequently, on either lateral side, the rods 54 disposed between the first linkage 47 and the second linkage 55 are pulled down by a pulling force. With the downward movement of the rods 54, the first link 57 is turned about the pivot shaft 56 in a clockwise direction causing the second link 59 to rise to compress the shock absorber 51. During such action of the linkage, the second link 59 turns about the pivot shaft 58 in a clockwise direction since the upper extension 59b of the second link 59 is restrained by the third link 63 relative to the upper fork assembly 37.
  • the shock absorber 51 is compressed by a distance corresponding to the sum of the lift and the rotation of the second link 59.
  • the degree of rotation of the second link 59 increases with the increase in the upward movement of the front wheel 48, thereby permitting the downward movement of the rod 54, so that the damping characteristic of the shock absorber 51 against the upward movement of the front wheel 48 and the transformation of the four-bar linkage 47 follows a progressive pattern.
  • Such pattern is shown by a curve Y or Z of second degree in FIG. 15 wherein the abscissa and the ordinate represent the distance of the upward movement of the front wheel and the damping force of the shock absorber, respectively.
  • the characteristic as shown by the curve Y or Z is provided by the progressive linkage 55 having an input end defined by the junction of the rod 54 with the first link 57, i.e., the end part of the first link 57 adjacent to the linkage 47, and an output end defined by the junction of the second link 59 with the shock absorber 51, i.e., the lower end of the shock absorber 51, and capable of progressively enlarging the displacement of the output end relative to the input end.
  • a curve X shown in the graph of FIG. 15 shows the characteristic of a conventional telescopic type front suspension.
  • the damping characteristic of the conventional telescopic suspension is proportional to the upward movement of the front wheel whereas the provision of the progressive linkage mechanism 55 between the four-bar linkage 47 and the shock absorber 51 causes the shock absorber to produce a damping force at a greater rate than the rate of increase of the upward movement of the front wheel.
  • the damping characteristics as shown by the curve Y or Z is dependent on the shapes and dimensions of the first, second and the third links 57, 59 and 63. Any characteristic of the suspension similar to the characteristic Y or Z can be selected by selectively determining the lever ratios of the progressive linkage 55.
  • the front wheel In order to generate a damping force F, the front wheel is required to move upwardly by a distance S1 in the conventional suspension having a characteristic shown by the characteristic curve X whereas in the suspension according to the present invention having a damping characteristic as shown by the curve Y or Z, a smaller upward movement of S2 or S3, respectively, of the front wheel is required, thus improving the road irregularity following performance of the front wheel. Also, the height of the driver's seat can be lowered by a distance corresponding to the reduction in the upward movement of the front wheel so as to lower the center of gravity of the motorcycle, and the diving of the front part of a motorcycle during braking can be reduced.
  • the following description relates to modified forms of a progressive linkage for a suspension which, similarly to the embodiment as hereinbefore described, are provided with a single shock absorber disposed forwardly of the upper part of an upper fork assembly and has tension rods connecting the respective four-bar linkage and the shock absorber.
  • a progressive linkage 85 is interposed between the upper end of a shock absorber 81 and the upper ends of rods 84.
  • the shock absorber 81 is pivotably joined at the lower end thereof to an upper fork assembly 67.
  • the progressive linkage 85 comprises a first link 87 pivotably joined at the rear end thereof to the top end of the upper fork assembly 67 and joined at an intermediate part thereof to the respective rods 84, a second link 89 formed in a widely opening V-shape, joined at the bent part thereof to the front end of the first link 87 and joined at its front extension 89a to the upper end of the shock absorber 81, and a third link 93 connecting an upper extension 89b of the second link 89 with the upper fork assembly 67.
  • the lower end of each rod 84 is joined to a corresponding arm 75 at its extension 75c thereof extending over a joint 75a between the upper fork assembly 67 and the arm 75.
  • the second link 89 compresses as the shock absorber 81 while being turned in a counterclockwise direction due to the restraint at the extension 89b by the third link 93 relative to the upper fork assembly 67, so that the quantity of the compression of the shock absorber 81 is progressively increased.
  • the same action of the suspension as described above can be achieved if the upper ends of the rods 84 are joined to the front end of the first link 87.
  • each progressive linkage 125 is interposed between a rod 124 and a four-bar linkage 117, and an extension 105c of an arm 105 extending over a pivot shaft 105a joining an arm 105 to an upper fork 107 is employed as a first link 127 of the progressive linkage 125.
  • the progressive linkage 125 comprises the first link 127, a second link 129 formed in a V-shape having a front extension 129a and a lower extension 129b, joined at the bent part thereof to the first link 127 and also joined at the front extension 129a to the lower end of a rod 124, and a third link 133 connecting the lower extension 129b of the second link 129 to the upper fork assembly 107.
  • the lower end of a shock absorber 121 is pivotably joined to the upper fork assembly 107 by means of a pivot shaft 123, while the upper end of the shock absorber 121, together with the upper end of a lever 131 pivotably joined to the upper end of the upper fork assembly 107 by means of a pivot shaft 130, is joined to the upper end of the rod 124.
  • the rod 124 is pulled down through the second link 129. With this action, the downward movement of the rod 124 and the quantity of compression of the shock absorber 121 are progressively increased due to the counterclockwise turning of the second link 129.
  • front suspensions each comprising a single shock absorber combined with a pair of rods for applying a compressive force to the shock absorber while functioning as compression rods.
  • the links and linkages of the suspensions according to the invention are provided in pairs on either lateral side of the motorcycle, only one side will be described for brevity.
  • the upper end of a shock absorber 221 is pivotably joined to the front end of a fixed arm 230 fixed to the upper end of an upper fork assembly 207 by means of a pivot shaft 231.
  • a rod 224 is interposed between a progressive linkage 225 and the shock absorber 221.
  • the progressive linkage 225 comprises a first link 227 formed in a V-shape, and a second link 229 connecting a front extension 227a of the first link 227 to the upper fork assembly 207.
  • a lower extension 227b of the first link 227 is joined to an arm 205 of a four-bar linkage 217.
  • the lower end of the rod 224 is joined to the bent part of the first link 217.
  • the first link 227 is joined to the arm 205 at a position on the arm 205 between the upper fork assembly 207 and a lower fork assembly 198.
  • the second link 229 is joined to the upper fork assembly 207 at an extension 207a formed at the lower end of the upper fork assembly 207 and bent slightly upward.
  • the linkage 225, the arm 205 and the rod 224 are provided in pairs on respective sides of the motorcycle. With the transformation of the four-bar linkage 217 caused by the upward movement of the front wheel, the arm 205 turns about the pivot shaft 205a in a counterclockwise direction, then the rod 224 is pushed up to compress the shock absorber 221 due to upward movement of the first link 227.
  • the first link 227 is forced to turn in a clockwise direction as the front extension 227a is restrained by the second link 229 relative to the upper fork assembly 207, so that a quantity corresponding to the rotation of the first link 227 is added to the upward movement of the rod 225. Consequently, the compression of the shock absorber is progressively increased.
  • the lower extension 227b of the first link 227 need not necessarirly be joined to the front arm 205; the lower extension 227b of the first link 227 may be joined to a rear arm 206 which also moves upwardly as in the upward movement of the front arm 205 or the lower fork assembly 198.
  • a progressive linkage 265 is interposed between a shock absorber 261 and a rod 264.
  • the upper end of the shock absorber 261 is pivotably joined through a shaft 271 of the front end of a fixed arm 270 fixed to the upper end of an upper fork assembly 247.
  • the lower end of the rod 264 is joined to an arm 245.
  • the progressive linkage 265 comprises a first link 267 formed in a V-shape having a front extension 267a and an upper extension 267b, a second link 269, and a third link 273.
  • the upper end of the rod 264 is joined to the bent part of the first link 267.
  • the lower end of the shock absorber 261 is joined to the front extension 267a of the first link 267.
  • the second link 269 is pivotably joined at the rear end thereof to the upper fork assembly 247 and at the front end thereof to the bent part of the first link 267.
  • the third link 273 connects the upper extension 267b of the first link 267 to the upper fork assembly 247, while crossing the second link 269.
  • a rod 304 is interposed between two linkages 297 and 305, while the progressive linkage 305 is interposed between the rod 304 and a shock absorber 301.
  • the upper end of the shock absorber 301 is pivotably joined to the front end of a fixed arm 310, fixed to the upper end of an upper fork assembly 287, by means of a pivot shaft 311.
  • the lower end of the rod 304 is joined to a lower fork assembly 278.
  • the lower end of the rod 304 is joined to the lower fork assembly 278 by means of a pivot shaft 285b joining an arm 285 to the lower fork assembly 278.
  • the lower end of the rod 304 may be joined either to arms 285 or 286.
  • the progressive linkage 305 comprises a first link 307 which is bent upwardly, a second link 309 formed in a V-shape having a front extension 309a and an upper extension 309b, and a third link 313 intersecting the first link 307.
  • the upper end of the rod 304 is joined to the front end of the first link 307 which is pivotably joined at the rear end thereof to the upper fork assembly 287.
  • the bent part of the second link 309 is joined to the intermediate part of the first link 307.
  • the front extension 309a of the second link 309 is joined to the lower end of the shock absorber 301, while the upper extension 309b is connected to the upper fork assembly 287 by the third link 313.
  • the rod 304 is pushed up by the transformation of the four-bar linkage 297, the second link 309 is moved upwardly through the first link 307 while being turned in a clockwise direction, so that the shock absorber 301 is progressively compressed.
  • shock absorbers are provided for a pair of four-bar linkages for the right and left sides respectively and each shock absorber is connected to the corresponding four-bar linkage through a progressive linkage without employing a rod.
  • a shock absorber 431 is pivotably joined to a side member 417a (417b) of an upper fork assembly 417 by means of a pivot shaft 441.
  • a rear arm 416 has an extension 416c extending downwardly below the junction between the rear arm 416 and a lower fork assemly 408.
  • a progressive linkage 435 is interposed between the extension 416c and the lower end of the shock absorber 431.
  • the constructions of the right and left four-bar linkages 427 are identical with each other.
  • the progressive linkage 435 comprises a first link 437 formed in a V-shape having a front extension 437a and an upper extension 437b, and a second link 439.
  • the first link 437 is pivotably joined at the bent part thereof to the lower fork assembly 408 by means of a pivot shaft 415b joining the arm 415 to the lower fork assembly 408.
  • the front extension 437a of the first link 437 is joined to the lower end of the shock absorber 431 while the upper extension 437b is connected to the extension 416c of the arm 416 by the second link 439.
  • the part of the progressive linkage 435 adjacent to the four-bar linkage 427 i.e. the input end
  • the part of the progressive linkage 435 adjacent to the shock absorber 431, i.e. the output end comprises the junction between the first link 437 and the shock absorber 431.
  • the shock absorber 431 With the transformation of the four-bar linkage 427 caused by the upward movement of the front wheel, the shock absorber 431 is compressed by the movement of the lower fork assembly 408 together with the first link 437. In addition, the damping force of the shock absorber 431 is progressively increased since the first link 437 is turned in a clockwise direction, as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 11, about the pivot shaft 415b to magnify the displacement of the input end to a larger displacement of the output end of the progressive linkage 435.
  • the progressive linkage may be interposed between the lower end of the shock absorber and the front arm 415 by forming an extension, similar to the extension 416c of the rear arm 416, on the front arm 415 extending over the junction between the front arm 415 and the lower fork assembly 408 and joining the first link 437 to the front part of the lower fork assembly 408.
  • a progressive linkage 475 comprises a first link 477 formed in a V-shape having a rear extension 477a and an upper extension 477b, and a second link 479.
  • the first link 477 is pivotably joined at the bent part thereof to an upper fork assembly 457.
  • the rear extension 477a of the first link 477 is joined to the upper end of the shock absorber 471.
  • the second link 479 connects the upper extension 477b of the first link 477 to a rear arm 456.
  • the second link 479 may connect the upper extension of the first link 477 and a front arm 455 by forming an extension extending downwardly below the front arm 455 on the upper fork assembly and joining the first link 477 to the extension of the upper fork assembly 457.
  • a ninth embodiment of a suspension according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 13, although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower end of a shock absorber 501 is connected to a lower fork assembly similarly to the construction as shown in FIG. 12.
  • An extension 486c is fomed on a rear arm 486 so as to extend from the junction between the rear arm 486 and an upper fork assembly 487.
  • a progressive linkage 505 comprises a first link 507 and a second link 509.
  • the first link 507 is joined at the front end thereof to the upper fork assembly 487 and is also joined at the rear end thereof to the upper end of the shock absorber 501.
  • the second link 509 connects the intermediate part of the first link 507 to the extension 486c of the arm 486.
  • the first link 507 is turned in a counterclockwise direction by the second link 509 so that the quantity of compression of the shock absorber 501 is increased by a quantity corresponding to the rotation of the first link 507.
  • the same operation of the suspension may be provided by joining the lower end of the second link 509 to the rear end of the first link 507.
  • a shock absorber 541 is joined to a lower fork assembly 518 by means of a pivot shaft 551.
  • An extension 525c is provided for a front arm 525 so as to extend upwardly over an axle 525a joining the front arm 525 and an upper fork assembly 527.
  • a progressive linkage 545 comprises a first link 547 and a second link 549.
  • the first link 547 is pivotably joined at the front end thereof to the upper fork assembly 527 and is also joined at the rear end thereof to the upper end of the shock absorber 541.
  • the second link 549 connects the extension 525c of the front arm 525 to the intermediate part of the first link 547.
  • the front arm 525 is turned counterclockwise about the pivot shaft 525a so that the first link 547 is turned in a clockwise direction by the second link 549.
  • the quantity of compression of the shock absorber 541 is progressively increased by a quantity corresponding to the rotation of the first link 547.
  • a similar operation of the suspension to that described above may be provided by joining the upper end of the second link 549 to the rear end of the first link 547.
  • a similar operation may also be provided by providing an extension for a rear arm 526 so as to extend upwardly over the junction between the rear arm 526 and the upper fork assembly 527 and connecting the extension to the first link 547 by the second link 549.
  • the first link need not necessarily be located above the arm 526 to be joined to the upper fork assembly, because the second link functions as a compression link to turn the first link in a counterclockwise direction similarly to the operation as described hereinabove.
  • All the embodiments of the suspensions according to the present invention as described hereinabove comprise the respective progressive linkages, each including a link, i.e. a link designated by a reference numeral 59, 89, 129, 227, 267, 309, 437, 477, 507 or 547, which is caused to turn according to the transformation of the corresponding four-bar linkage, and the rotation of such a link provides for a progressive damping characteristic of the shock absorbers.
  • a link i.e. a link designated by a reference numeral 59, 89, 129, 227, 267, 309, 437, 477, 507 or 547, which is caused to turn according to the transformation of the corresponding four-bar linkage, and the rotation of such a link provides for a progressive damping characteristic of the shock absorbers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)
US06/243,054 1980-03-17 1981-03-12 Front suspension for motocycle Expired - Fee Related US4401316A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP3375280A JPS56167576A (en) 1980-03-17 1980-03-17 Suspension system for front wheel of autobicycle
JP3375380A JPS56131477A (en) 1980-03-17 1980-03-17 Suspension system for front wheel of autobicycle
JP55-33752 1980-03-17
JP55-33753 1980-03-17
JP55-35665 1980-03-19
JP3566580A JPS56131478A (en) 1980-03-19 1980-03-19 Suspension system for front wheel of autobicycle

Publications (1)

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US4401316A true US4401316A (en) 1983-08-30

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US06/243,054 Expired - Fee Related US4401316A (en) 1980-03-17 1981-03-12 Front suspension for motocycle

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4401316A (it)
CA (1) CA1152897A (it)
DE (2) DE3153297C2 (it)
FR (1) FR2478011B1 (it)
GB (1) GB2075442B (it)
IT (1) IT1170811B (it)

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4570963A (en) * 1982-12-15 1986-02-18 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Front wheel shock absorbing system for motorcycles
US4629205A (en) * 1982-07-26 1986-12-16 Haynes Terence A Motorcycle front fork assembly
US4723621A (en) * 1985-10-30 1988-02-09 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Motorcycle
US5431426A (en) * 1993-09-16 1995-07-11 Ijams; Dav Anti-dive apparatus for bicycles
US6715577B2 (en) * 2001-04-10 2004-04-06 Massimo Oteri Fore-end assembly with improved shock absorbing means for motorcycles
US20080202827A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Jean-Michel Thiers Motorcycle steering
US20100096207A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 Daisuke Nagao Motorcycles having upper and lower arms coupled with fork and frame
USD666947S1 (en) 2011-06-30 2012-09-11 Vardon Douglas L Front suspension assembly for a motorcycle
US8448970B1 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-05-28 Douglas L. Vardon Suspension system for steerable front wheel of vehicle
US8534692B2 (en) 2009-10-02 2013-09-17 Martin Trebichavsky Front wheel suspension for a single-track vehicle
US8746721B2 (en) 2012-07-26 2014-06-10 Jean-Michel Thiers Motorcycle steering with four-bar linkage
US8783704B2 (en) 2012-09-13 2014-07-22 Dennis P. Richards Suspension system
US20140361506A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 Robert Christopher Walton Motorbike steering and suspension system
US10196106B1 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-02-05 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10300979B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-05-28 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a bicycle
US10308312B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-06-04 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
USD859125S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-10 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension rebound knob
USD860061S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-17 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD860062S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-17 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD861542S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-10-01 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
US10518836B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-12-31 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10518839B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2019-12-31 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with coil spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10526039B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2020-01-07 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10526040B2 (en) 2017-08-28 2020-01-07 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with gas spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10549812B2 (en) 2017-08-28 2020-02-04 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with gas spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10549813B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2020-02-04 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with coil spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
USD880369S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880370S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880371S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880372S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
US11084552B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2021-08-10 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Simplified gas spring setup for a trailing link cycle wheel suspension
US11208172B2 (en) 2018-10-05 2021-12-28 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Suspension pivot assemblies having a retention feature
US11230347B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11230346B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. Cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11230348B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Trailing link cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11273887B2 (en) 2018-10-16 2022-03-15 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle suspension with travel indicator
US11345432B2 (en) 2018-10-12 2022-05-31 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle having a fork arm with dual opposing tapers
US11524744B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2022-12-13 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle suspension with rotation sensor
US11945539B2 (en) 2018-09-07 2024-04-02 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Dual sided suspension assembly for a cycle wheel

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JPS57107979A (en) * 1980-12-25 1982-07-05 Honda Motor Co Ltd Suspension system for front wheel of autobicycle
FR2574041B1 (fr) * 1984-12-04 1987-01-16 Flamme Jean M Suspension applicable aux roues d'une motocyclette ou d'un vehicule de meme technique
GB2490526B (en) 2011-05-04 2017-05-17 Dantzie Samuel Vehicle Suspension System
FR3004415B1 (fr) * 2013-04-15 2016-02-12 Matthieu Carmel Alfano Suspension avant a quadrilatere deformable pour cycle, dont le principe permet d'optimiser le comportement anti-plongee et l'integration d'un amortisseur independant
CN104691261A (zh) * 2015-03-17 2015-06-10 广东路美仕环保设备科技有限公司 一种扫地车车轮避震装置

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US4212481A (en) * 1977-09-21 1980-07-15 Diafil International S.A. Suspension system for vehicle wheels
FR2418742A1 (fr) * 1978-03-01 1979-09-28 Guichard Michel Suspension avant de motocycle
EP0032170A2 (en) * 1979-11-22 1981-07-22 Diafil International S.A. A front suspension system for a motorcycle
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Cited By (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4629205A (en) * 1982-07-26 1986-12-16 Haynes Terence A Motorcycle front fork assembly
US4570963A (en) * 1982-12-15 1986-02-18 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Front wheel shock absorbing system for motorcycles
US4723621A (en) * 1985-10-30 1988-02-09 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Motorcycle
US5431426A (en) * 1993-09-16 1995-07-11 Ijams; Dav Anti-dive apparatus for bicycles
US6715577B2 (en) * 2001-04-10 2004-04-06 Massimo Oteri Fore-end assembly with improved shock absorbing means for motorcycles
US20080202827A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Jean-Michel Thiers Motorcycle steering
US7887077B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2011-02-15 Jean-Michel Thiers Motorcycle steering
US20100096207A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 Daisuke Nagao Motorcycles having upper and lower arms coupled with fork and frame
US7896379B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2011-03-01 Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Motorcycles having upper and lower arms coupled with fork and frame
US8534692B2 (en) 2009-10-02 2013-09-17 Martin Trebichavsky Front wheel suspension for a single-track vehicle
USD666947S1 (en) 2011-06-30 2012-09-11 Vardon Douglas L Front suspension assembly for a motorcycle
US8448970B1 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-05-28 Douglas L. Vardon Suspension system for steerable front wheel of vehicle
US8746721B2 (en) 2012-07-26 2014-06-10 Jean-Michel Thiers Motorcycle steering with four-bar linkage
US8783704B2 (en) 2012-09-13 2014-07-22 Dennis P. Richards Suspension system
US20140361506A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 Robert Christopher Walton Motorbike steering and suspension system
US9132882B2 (en) * 2013-06-07 2015-09-15 Robert Christopher Walton Motorbike steering and suspension system
US10689061B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2020-06-23 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10300979B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-05-28 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a bicycle
US10308312B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-06-04 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10196106B1 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-02-05 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10549815B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2020-02-04 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a bicycle
US10518836B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2019-12-31 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10526039B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2020-01-07 Trvstper, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle
US10549812B2 (en) 2017-08-28 2020-02-04 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with gas spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10526040B2 (en) 2017-08-28 2020-01-07 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with gas spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10549813B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2020-02-04 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with coil spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
US10518839B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2019-12-31 Trvstper, Inc. Inline shock absorber with coil spring for a cycle wheel suspension assembly
USD861542S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-10-01 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD860061S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-17 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880369S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880370S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880371S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD880372S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2020-04-07 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
USD859125S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-10 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension rebound knob
USD860062S1 (en) 2018-02-08 2019-09-17 Trvstper, Inc. Cycle suspension assembly
US11945539B2 (en) 2018-09-07 2024-04-02 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Dual sided suspension assembly for a cycle wheel
US11084552B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2021-08-10 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Simplified gas spring setup for a trailing link cycle wheel suspension
US11230347B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11230346B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. Cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11230348B2 (en) 2018-09-25 2022-01-25 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Trailing link cycle wheel suspension assembly having gas pistons with unequal gas piston areas
US11208172B2 (en) 2018-10-05 2021-12-28 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Suspension pivot assemblies having a retention feature
US11345432B2 (en) 2018-10-12 2022-05-31 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Suspension assembly for a cycle having a fork arm with dual opposing tapers
US11820457B2 (en) 2018-10-16 2023-11-21 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle suspension with travel indicator
US11273887B2 (en) 2018-10-16 2022-03-15 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle suspension with travel indicator
US11524744B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2022-12-13 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Cycle suspension with rotation sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2075442B (en) 1984-02-08
DE3110369A1 (de) 1982-02-18
IT8148034A0 (it) 1981-03-16
DE3153297C2 (it) 1989-04-13
DE3110369C2 (it) 1989-05-24
FR2478011B1 (fr) 1988-02-26
IT1170811B (it) 1987-06-03
FR2478011A1 (fr) 1981-09-18
GB2075442A (en) 1981-11-18
CA1152897A (en) 1983-08-30

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